'When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses not zebras' - the old adage is well-known to GPs but what should you do when faced with a zebra, not a horse? Consultant cardiologist Professor Robert Tulloh and GP Dr Louise Tulloh kick off our new series with their advice on how to catch Kawasaki disease in general practice.

The BMA says it would strongly encourage you to support your colleagues by taking action or demonstrating your support (whatever you voted in the ballot). However, you are under no obligation to take part in the day of action.

What happens if not all GPs in a practice wish to participate in industrial action?

Each practice will need to make the decision how to operate. If not all partners wish to participate, an agreement should be reached on operational issues.

The BMA says it would be reasonable for a practice to ask a salaried GP or locum not to undertake routine appointments for the day and it would encourage all practices to support salaried and other colleagues who choose to participate in industrial action, regardless of the practice's stance. Employees are protected from unfair dismissal.

I am a salaried GP. Will I be paid if I participate in the day of action?

Your practice can refuse to pay you.

Is it a strike?

No. On the ballot paper, the BMA asked whether doctors would be prepared to take strike action. This was to provide the union with legalprotection and to provide flexibility.

Isn't the dispute really with the Government and not my employer?

Although the dispute over pensions is with the Government, rather than the employer directly, lawful industrial action can still be taken. Trade union law recognises that a dispute about pensions is, in reality, a dispute between "workers and their employer" as pension benefits form part of the employment contract.

What about locum GPs - should they be taking industrial action too?
If you are contracted by the PCO, then you can take part in action. However, if you are self-employed or employed by an agency, you would not have been balloted.